SolidGuides.com may get a commission when you buy through links on our website. Read More.

Gaming Desk Buying Guide, Everything You Need To Know

9 Apr, 2019

Plenty of gamers out there pride themselves in their gaming setup, but they tend to forget one important part of the setup – a gaming desk.

Have you noticed yourself failing at games even when you know that neither you nor your hardware is at fault? If the answer is yes, then you need to consider replacing your desk.

Failing at games isn’t the only reason why you should think about purchasing a gaming desk. Desks have changed, and the ones catering to gamers offer plenty of features that could up your game.

What Are Gaming Desks?

Most of the office desks are fit to hold a PC, however, they lack certain features that could improve your game.

On the other hand, gaming desks are keeping up with the ever-expanding gaming culture, and they are created to cater to gamers. Desks that are meant for gaming are a fairly new addition to the market, but they should not be overlooked.

Gaming desks don’t look much different than office desks, but they do come with a few attributes that set them apart. You will notice that gaming desks have better cable management and airflow, coupled with other convenience features.

Types of Gaming Desks

Desks come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. Deciding which one is the right one for you depends on your free space, and the use you want to get out of the desk.

Executive Desks

These are the traditional desks you might have seen in a bank or a post office. They are rectangular, and some of them come equipped with drawers.

Executive desks are perfect if you are limited with space, and they are easy to store. Cable management is easy, and they can be cleaned quickly. Most of the executive desks boast a minimalistic design, but there are some models out there with intricate designs.

The only problem is that the surface area is fairly limited, which can cause problems with multi-monitor setups.

Corner Desks

Corner desks form the shape of an “L” letter, which is why they are also known as L-shaped desks. These desks are perfect for a corner setup because they come with a portion that angles at 90 degrees.

The best feature of a corner desk is that it provides you with plenty of space. Modern gaming corner desks include plenty of useful features that can make your gaming experience more comfortable.

Some models have etched out spaces underneath used for keeping your PC case out of sight, while some fancier models come equipped with more add-ons.

What sets them apart from executive desks is that they usually don’t come equipped with drawers. So, if you want to use your gaming desk for studying as well, then L-shaped gaming desks might not be the best choice.

U-shaped Desks

If you are looking for a massive gaming desk, and space is not an issue, then a u-shaped gaming desk is what you need.

U-shaped desks form the shape of a letter “U,” and as such, they take up a large amount of space. They are great for multi-monitor setups and streaming setups. If you want your gaming desk to be your work desk as well, then look no further.

The only problem is its obviously awkward shape. As such, it isn’t fit for smaller rooms. But, if you are a gamer who doesn’t want any compromises when it comes to gaming, then a u-shaped desk could be a perfect addition to your gaming room.

Standing Desks

Gaming while standing? Impossible! Yes, we thought the same at first, but there is more than meets the eye when it comes to standing desks.

First of all, gaming forces us to sit for a prolonged time, which is not healthy. Second fact – standing desks can be lowered. Basically, you can sit in front of the desk while gaming, but you can also stand in front of it when you want to stretch your legs.

Standing desks are very mobile, some of them come with a motor that is used to adjust the height of the desk, while the others have to be manually lowered. Standing desks that are created for gaming come with awesome cable management options and an undercarriage for the PC case.

If you enjoy spending time with a MAME emulator, then a standing desk will bring you back to the time when arcade cabinets were all the rage.

The only problem with standing desks is the price. The fact that plenty of them include motors that lift or lower the desk raises the price. So, if you are low on money, then consider a different gaming desk.

What Are Gaming Desks Made Of?

Gaming desks are not created equal. They come in different shapes and sizes, but they also come in different materials. The material plays an important role in durability, but it is also an important factor in the aesthetics of a gaming desk.

Wood

Wood is a perfect choice for a gamer that wants something solid and durable. High-quality wooden desks can last you for a long time. To clarify, wooden gaming desks can take a beating. So, if you frequently slam your desks in anger, then a wooden gaming desk is what you need.

Not only are wooden desks sturdy and durable, but they also look beautiful. Wood looks good in almost any room, and it gives it a classy charm that is hard to miss.

Glass

Glass always looks great! It is no wonder that the classiest gaming desks have glass countertops. If you are worried about them easily breaking, then find a model that is equipped with tempered glass.

The only problem with glass countertops is that rage-fueled moments of smashing the desk must be avoided. Not only can the desk break leaving you with a hole that is expensive to cover up, but you can also seriously harm yourself. Gaming desks with glass countertops are a bit more expensive than the other desks, but they are worth the money.

PVC

While we are not fans of PVC desks, we have to admit that some of them look very pleasing to the eye. PVC gaming desks are a perfect choice for a gamer with a limited budget. They are easy to transfer, and some models are eye-catching, but the biggest problem is durability.

PVC desks are not as durable as the other ones – they are prone to breaking. The worst thing that could happen is that a PVC desk buckles under pressure and your entire gaming gear gets damaged.

Our advice is to avoid PVC desks.

MDF

MDF (medium-density fibreboard) gaming desks are an excellent alternative to the wooden desks. MDF is created by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers. The wood fibers are then combined with wax and a resin binder and then formed by applying high temperature and pressure. It might remind you of plywood, but you should know that it is denser.

MDF gaming desks are durable, but they don’t last as long as wooden desks. The biggest problem with MDF desks is that they soak up fluids which make them swell and lose shape.

Factors to Think About

Now that you are aware of the types of gaming desks, you should know what to think about before purchasing a new gaming desk.

Size: Make sure that the desk isn’t too small because you won’t be able to fit all of your gaming gear on it. On the other hand, if a desk is too big, then it will cramp up your living space.

Frame: Plenty of modern gaming desks utilize metal and steel frames, but that doesn’t mean that wooden frames are bad. You should look for a desk with a durable frame that can hold a larger load.

Cable management: Make sure that the desk allows you to manage your cables safety. Tangled wires look awful, and they are a safety risk!

Ergonomics: It is important that you can sit comfortably in front of your desk, but it is also important that everything is within your reach. You should be sure that your future desk allows you the freedom to sit comfortably in front of it, and that everything is close to your hands.

Accessories: Think about what can enhance your gaming experience. Do you need a cup holder? Perhaps you want some storage space. Maybe you want fans that will cool your PC or grommets that will aid you with cable management. Whatever the accessory you need is, make sure that you will be getting it with your new gaming desk.

Assembly: While there are gaming desks that are pre-assembled, you need to make sure what kind of a deal you are getting. Some gaming desks need to be assembled, an some of them might require you to get help from another person.

Design: Most of the gaming desks boast a sleek and modern design, making them fit almost every room. But, if you want to match your gaming gear to your desk, then look for a desk that will boost the aesthetics of your gear.

Are Gaming Desks Expensive?

Gaming desks come at a wide variety of prices. We can safely say that every gamer can find a desk that can fit into their budget.

Some of the models sell for under $100, and they are a perfect choice for a gamer who is low on money. Most of the models fall into the $100-$200 range, and they are the ones that can be considered the best buy.

A sharp rise in price is noticed in standing tables due to the motors required to change their height. As luck would have it, we have reviewed many different desks, so we advise you to read our guide if you don’t want to waste time trying to find a perfect gaming desk.

Conclusion

It is nice to see that gaming is finally seen as more than just a hobby for kids. Plenty of desk manufacturers have realized that desks play an important role in gaming, which is why they have started to cater to the needs of gamers.

Nowadays it isn’t enough to have a high-quality gaming rig coupled with gaming accessories. Gaming desks give you the edge needed to outperform the opponent, but they also provide you with much-needed comfort.

Ultimately, your gaming skills can grow as much as you allow them to, and a gaming desk will give them the boost needed to reach new plateaus. Make sure that you choose a model that fits your need, but that will be easy now that you know everything there is to know about gaming desks.